2011-2017 Ford Explorer Exhaust Leaks Gives Rise to Injury Claims

    FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, February 16, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Coffey Trial Law is currently investigating injury claims against Ford based on the potential for deadly exhaust leaks in 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers.

Hundreds of consumers have filed complaints related to alleged defects with the exhaust system in Ford Explorers. Over 650,000 affected cars have potentially been affected.

Consumers have reported smelling exhaust fumes inside of their Ford Explorers. The issue seems to occur when the air conditioner is on and in circulation mode and the driver is accelerating. Occupants in Ford Explorers have complained of odors such as "rotten eggs," "sulfur," "burnt hair," and "gas." The leak likely results from "unsealed seams in the rear of the SUV," reports CBS News.

Over 150 vehicle owners have filed complaints with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), prompting the agency to launch an investigation. Occupants have expressed concerns over carbon monoxide exposure.

"CBS News discovered that's grown to more than 450 complaints, some involving 2016 and 2017 models, which are not part of NHTSA's investigation," stated CBS.

Ford has known about the issue as early as 2012, when the automaker issued the first of three bulletins to dealers with information about repairing the exhaust problem. A Ford Motors representative acknowledged the issue in a 2015 deposition, calling it a "design issue." The company has yet to inform owners of the problem or issue a recall.

Ford Explorer owners maintain that they and their families have sustained serious harm resulting from the exhaust leaks. In one case, an officer driving in his 2014 Ford Explorer police cruiser passed out suddenly and crashed into a tree, sustaining traumatic brain injuries, a dislocated shoulder, and a fractured eye socket. Other Explorer owners have reported health issues such as headaches, bronchitis, child injuries, and burning eyes.

Unlike the defective Ford Explores, properly designed vehicles vent exhaust fumes outside of the vehicle away from occupants because the gas contain harmful chemicals such as acetaldehyde, acrolein, benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) has been linked with serious health problems including asthma, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease. CO exposure can even lead to death.

Investigators are unsure of how many people have been harmed by carbon monoxide exposure, but numerous people have filed lawsuits against Ford Motors at for injuries and collisions linked to the defect. Ford denies all allegations of negligence, but in August 2016, Ford agreed to settle a class action lawsuit filed in Florida. Other personal injury and class action suits are pending.

If your Ford Explorer has an exhaust problem, report it to the manufacturer. You can also file a complaint with the NHTSA so they can investigate the issue.

If you or your family members suffered an injury resulting from leaky exhaust in your Ford Explorer, call 954-541-3194 for free information about your rights and how to pursue compensation for your losses.

Coffey Trial Law is a personal injury law firm located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The firm focuses on automobile accidents, product liability, wrongful death, and other serious personal injury cases. Attorney Sam Coffey has been practicing law for over 20 years. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and other professional organizations.

# # #